The fastest way to come up with content ideas is by using systems.
I created my content matrix in Notion.
Now all I need to do is:
- Choose a topic
- Match it to a style
- Write a quick headline
- Repeat until you have 10 ideas
Note: The template is available in The Content Operating System.
How I created my content matrix
The 2 main elements of my content matrix are:
- The Themes
- The Styles
The Themes
These are the topics that are related to your niche.
For example, potential themes for email marketers include:
- Email marketing tools
- Customer drips
- Email strategy
- Subject lines
- Automations
- Sales emails
What are the things that are related to your particular niche?
List them.
The Styles
These are the styles and structures of content that you can use.
For example, here are 8 common styles that I use:
- X vs Y: Comparing two things
- Listicle: Listed points, i.e. ‘5 best ways…’
- Observation: Simply making an observation
- Motivational: Motivation related to your niche
- Actionable: Teach people how to do something
- Analytical: Break something down into the data
- Contrarian: Say something that is against the grain
- Present vs Future: Way we do something today vs future
Now I have my themes and styles, I can rapidly create content using my templates.
I discuss my content matrix in detail (and much more) in The Content Operating System.
A multi-step system for creating a high-quality newsletter and 6-12 pieces of high-performance social media content each week. Get all my systems, templates, and more. > Join 7,000+ students today
